The Northern Star caught up with NIU men’s basketball starting guard Darion Anderson.
The freshman stepped off the court to explain his nickname and talk about meeting a hero during a basketball game in Chicago.
Northern Star: Your real name is Darion Anderson, but you go by Jake. Where did you get your nickname from?
Darion Anderson: Actually it’s short for my middle name Jakeon.
NS: Why do you choose to go by your middle name?
DA: My family just started calling me Jake.
NS: You attended Carver Military Academy. What was it like going to school at a military academy?
DA: It was fun; I learned a lot of things. It showed me how to remain disciplined.
NS: You grew up in Chicago; do you have a favorite Chicago sports team?
DA: The Bulls.
NS: Have you gone to any of their games.
DA: Yeah, I’ve been to a Bulls game – a Bulls game and a Bears Game.
NS: Have you ever met any of the players on those teams?
DA: I met Michael Jordan. [I was] just playing basketball in Foster Park in the south side of Chicago.
NS: Did he give you any good basketball advice?
DA: Yeah, but we got to keep that a secret.
NS: I read in the NIU Basketball program that you fear nothing, is that true?
DA: Yeah.
NS: Spiders?
DA: No.
NS: Snakes?
DA: No.
NS: Coach Patton?
DA: No. Not at all.
NS: Do you have an embarrassing sports moment?
DA: Tonight’s game. With all the turnovers I had.
NS: What is your best non-athletic talent?
DA: I like to draw.
NS: What kind of stuff do you like to draw?
DA: All types of things. Nothing in particular.
NS: What is something not many people know about you?
DA: A lot of people don’t know I like to watch cartoons a lot.
NS: What kind of cartoons?
DA: Old cartoons like The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby Doo and Tom and Jerry.
NS: I love Scooby Doo, best cartoon ever.
DA: My little sister loves Scooby Doo.
NS: Do you only have one younger sibling?
DA: I have two younger sisters. And they watch cartoons with me all the time.